Elon forum discussion addressed Ferguson issues

ELON — Hundreds of Elon University students, faculty and staff packed an event room on campus to discuss issues related to the fatal shooting of a Ferguson, Mo. teenager by police earlier this month.

The event on Wednesday night, called “Lessons Within Ferguson, Mo.,” featured a panel discussion of several faculty members who have conducted research related to issues of “race, justice, privilege and the increasing militarization of police forces today in the United States,” according to an E-Net News story published by the university.

The discussion centered on the Aug. 9 shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown, who was believed to be unarmed when he was shot six times by a police officer. Brown, a black male, had been considered a suspect in an earlier convenience store robbery, though it is unclear whether Darren Wilson, the white officer who shot Brown, knew who he was at the time.

Elon University junior Mia Watkins, who is from Ferguson, spoke at the event about her experience growing up in the St. Louis suburb where she felt safe, in light of recent media depictions of the town.

The panel was moderated by Naeemah Clark, associate professor of communications. Faulty panelists included Jim Bissett, professor of history; India Johnson, assistant professor of psychology; Ken Fernandez, director of the Elon University Poll; Robert Parrish, assistant professor of law and Sandra Reid, a lecturer in human service studies.

Jason Husser, assistant professor of political science and policy studies and Randy Williams, dean of multicultural affairs, also made remarks.